Carnival Magic Overview
Cruise Critic

By John Deiner, Cruise Critic contributor

Editor Rating
4.5

With some intriguing innovations, inventive twists on old themes and a more refined look than any of its predecessors in the Carnival fleet, this 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger behemoth debuted in May 2011 and instantaneously became one of the coolest ships on the high seas.

Carnival Magic marks the end of the line for longtime Carnival interior architect Joe Farcus, and he's going out in style. While you can still expect a heaping dose of neon, mirrored surfaces and other eye-popping glam (what's with all the creepy eyeball-ish orbs in the atrium?), his touch is more limited here than on his other ships, inasmuch as other designers lent a helping hand. As such, there's a scintillating sophistication to many spaces, from the main dining rooms (Southern Lights and Northern Lights) to the sun deck (particularly the Serenity adults-only retreat).

Much of what's found onboard Carnival Magic came from first-in-class sib Carnival Dream, including the Seaside Theatre; the massive two-deck Cloud 9 spa; the WaterWorks aqua park (Magic has two waterslides -- a corkscrew and a bowl slide -- to Dream's one); and special family cabins designed to accommodate five passengers (featuring two bathrooms).

But Magic isn't simply a more polished version of Dream. The ship has ushered in a handful of new features, including Cucina del Capitano, an Italian restaurant serving up handmade pastas and singing waiters for a $10 fee; Cherry on Top, a perky little candy shop-cum-tux rental place off the atrium; and the industry's first water "dump bucket," which complements the ship's waterslides.

Candy? Ravioli? A drenching torrent? All pale in comparison to the rousing success that is the RedFrog Pub, a new Caribbean-themed watering hole that became an instant icon the moment it started serving its own home brew, Thirsty Frog Red Ale -- suds so satisfying that the taps ran dry during the ship's inaugural cruise, and so popular that they're now available nearly fleetwide. The pub is located on the Lanai, the promenade ringing Deck 5, a perfect setting for a sunset happy hour that rivals any afloat.

Then there's the new-to-Magic SportSquare outdoor recreation area, an in-your-face challenge to Royal Caribbean's heretofore lock on adrenaline-pumping onboard adventures. Featuring the first-ever ropes course at sea (it only looks easy), an outdoor fitness area (Sky Fitness) and two-level mini-golf course, SportSquare is a welcome addition to the cruise world. Whether it's truly a notch above Royal's zip lines and surf simulators is open to debate.

Don't worry: This is still a Carnival ship, so there's a rocking night scene (take it from us: if you stand on a table in the disco at 2 a.m., you will be noticed by security), soft-serve ice cream whenever you want it, photographers nagging you for shots at every corner and poolside contests galore. Kids get a lot of attention with several glittery playrooms with a clubby vibe, and you can still buy gold-by-the-inch.

So what did it get? One doozy of a newcomer. Of course, there are some things that don't quite gel (buffet mob scenes, room service blandness, loud cabins, a disappointing spa -- read on for details), but it's okay: These worries are likely to pull a disappearing act. You're on a ship named Magic, after all.

Carnival Magic Fellow Passengers

It's a Fun Ship, so expect Fun People. It's a diverse group -- we saw everyone from toddlers to somebody celebrating his 90th birthday -- but they're typically upbeat and ready for action. Leaving one port, a woman next to us pulled out an air horn and started blasting away, startling folks on the pier and anyone within earshot on deck. Try that on a Crystal cruise.

The average age appears to be early 40s, but we found plenty of multigenerational families onboard. Many are diehard Carnivalistas, so don't be surprised if you get engaged in a conversation over which Carnival ship has this and that and which one is best. When Magic is homeporting in Galveston, expect a bevy of Texans and heat-seekers from the Midwest. Summer and holidays mean more young children.

Carnival Magic Dress Code

On the "cruise elegant" nights in the main dining rooms (typically two on a seven-night cruise), most passengers look dressed up (think jackets for men, dresses for women), but evening gowns and tuxedos are the exception, especially in the Your Time Dining area. On casual nights, the norm for men is a collared shirt and nice jeans or khakis, and most women wear sundresses or capri-blouse combos -- but you'll see T-shirts and shorts. During the day, just about anything goes, although you won't (or shouldn't) see bathing suits in Southern Lights or Cucina del Capitano.

Carnival Magic Gratuity

Carnival recommends $12.95 per person, per day, for gratuities ($13.95 per person, per day, for those in suites). The guidelines allocate a portion to dining room services, cabin services and alternative services, which include kitchen, entertainment, guest services and other hotel services. The amount is automatically added to your shipboard account, but it can be adjusted in either direction at the guest services desk. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar bills and spa treatments. Tipping a couple dollars for room service at delivery is appreciated by the service staff.

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Carnival Magic Member Reviews

Thank you to Cruise Critic for responding me to since Carnival has NO intention of addressing our serious issues we obtain on our First and ONLY Cruise we will EVER take.
I am going to copy and past what I posted to Carnival's facebook page. I ...
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I was reluctant to book a Thanksgiving cruise but it was my boyfriend's 35th birthday and I wanted to surprise him with something memorable. Both embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly. Let's jump right in:
The Ship:
The Carnival Magic ...
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Food
A. To many people to serve at one time at buffets.
B. Disappointed because Guy's famous Bar-B- Que was only opened for one day of the entire 5 days and for 2 and a half hours at that. Never did get to sample his wonderful prepared pork ...
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